Cibola general hospital offers h1n1 flu visitation guidance
October 7, 2009 — Cibola General Hospital has a strong commitment to patient safety and a high level of concern for the health of patients, therefore the hospital asks the public to take special considerations when visiting hospitalized patients.
Cibola General Hospital is supporting new visitation guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They recommend that if a visitor is feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, please refrain from visiting family and friends in the hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control data suggests that this action will reduce the risk of spreading H1N1 and seasonal flu to those at high risk of serious complications. Here are hospital visitation tips suggested for everyone’s safety:
- Parents should consider not bringing visitors to the hospital who are under the age of 14. Children and adolescents are more susceptible to flu and have a higher incidence of flu infection than adults. In addition, children are often contagious before they exhibit symptoms.
- Patients and families should limit visitors to two at a time when possible.
- No sick visitors please. If you have fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please stay home.
- Patients should ask for a mask if you are exhibiting cold or flu symptoms.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer.
Cibola General Hospital is supporting these recommendations in order to keep our patients safe and healthy. Visitors may be limited at the discretion of the hospital staff. The hospital recognizes that limiting visitation may cause some disruption to families but emphasize that their first priority is ensuring the safest possible environment for patients and diminishing potential exposure to the flu.
“We know limiting visitors may pose an inconvenience to families with patients in our facilities,” Pamela Akin, Chief Nursing Officer said, “however, it is important to encourage this practice now to limit the spread and impact of flu. Many of our patients, particularly newborns, pregnant women and those with suppressed immune systems, are especially vulnerable. It is vital that we take every precaution to protect them.”
If you would like more information on H1N1 or seasonal flu, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov and follow the H1N1 links on the homepage. |